What Can Cause Dental Implant Failure?

Posted March 15, 2016.

Dental implants are extremely reliable and have a success rate that is in excess of 95% but unfortunately this does mean that a tiny percentage is at risk of failing. So what are the most common causes of dental implant failure?

Dental Implant Failure to Bond with the Jawbone

After a dental implant post is inserted into the jawbone it is vital that new and healthy bone cells begin to grow on and around the post during a process called Osseointegration. Normally this will occur without any problems but if your immune system is compromised or if you continue to smoke throughout the implant process then Osseointegration may fail. It’s also possible for the implant to fail to bond with the jawbone if it is loaded too soon with the replacement crown, bridge or denture. If too much pressure is placed on the implant before it has had a chance to heal and bond with the jawbone, then it can cause it to loosen. Dental implant failure may also occur if the implant has been improperly inserted into the jawbone and where there isn’t enough bone to support it.

Here at D & D Periodontal Associates, we take extensive care to make sure this cannot happen. We thoroughly assess every single implant patient for suitability and if we think there is a strong chance of dental implant failure then we will suggest you try another method of tooth replacement. We also carry out extensive diagnostic tests to determine the amount of bone available in your jaw and to make sure we insert the implant in just the right position.

Management of Peri-Implantitis in Midtown Manhattan

Infection is a real problem and can occur months or even years after successful implant treatment. This is because of a condition called peri-implantitis which is very similar to gum disease signs. In is dental implant failure case generally caused by poor oral hygiene or may be due to the cement around the implant tooth beginning to fail which allows bacteria to get into the implant (Read also: Oral Hygiene Instructions). This is why we strongly recommend that anyone who has implant treatment should follow it up with regular checkups and hygiene appointments. With good oral care, the chances of an infection are greatly reduced and we can keep an eye on any implant teeth to make sure the restoration is still strong and has not become worn. Although the actual implant post should last for many years, the restoration replacing the tooth or teeth can become worn or loose and it is just possible it may need to be renewed.

While these factors can cause dental implant failure, it is important to remember that it is rare and most people will continue to enjoy their dental implants for many years after treatment is completed. We still feel it is by far the best way to replace missing teeth, at least for most people and we take extensive care to make sure all implant surgery carried out at our dental practice is as successful as possible by minimizing these risks. When you visit our dental practice, your dental implant surgery in New York will be carried out by a periodontist who is highly experienced in implant surgery and this special training can make all the difference to the success of your treatment.